As technology has grown and land has become more scarce, more and more subdivisions are being built near high tension power lines. Is this potentially harmful to residents’ health?
The National Institutes of Health, the agency of the federal government commissioned with researching and analyzing health and medical topics, has devoted considerable research to this topic.
In summary, the NIH research has shown that electromagnetic fields by most electronic and electrical sources are on the low frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Low frequency electromagnetic radiation has shown a very tenuous link to any sort of health problem. Electromagnetic fields at the low end of the spectrum are not capable of disrupting cells and DNA.
Check the NIH page on electromagnetism to read the agency’s full explanation.
The internet is an amazing source of information and also misinformation. Be wary of information on questionable websites.
A more reasonable concern, as a potential homeowner, might be future resale value. Since most people consider high tension power lines an eyesore, nearby homes are likely to be a tough sell. Homeowners also are fearful that lines will be knocked down during a storm. In a storm’s aftermath always stay clear of downed power lines and call authorities immediately.
